CEO – Geospatial Council of Australia

The Geospatial Council of Australia was formed from the merger of two professional peak bodies who saw the benefits a new combined organisation could bring to the nation. 

The Surveying & Spatial Sciences Institute (SSSI) and the Spatial Industries Business Association (SIBA|GITA) formed a strong collaborative relationship over many years, with shared goals and a shared vision for the future of geospatial in Australia. 

In November 2022, SSSI and SIBA|GITA members voted to merge and form the new peak geospatial body Geospatial Council of Australia (GCA). 

Client website

IM 2022

The Geospatial Council of Australia is the trusted voice of Australia’s geospatial community. As the peak national body for location-based disciplines, we work to advance the impact of our sector by representing members and their interests across industry, government, workforce, and the community. We support the growth of our sector through focused advocacy, education, and advice, and we unite the varied and extensive disciplines of our member base to create an inclusive and innovative community of professionals.   

Our members come from all areas of location-based disciplines, including surveying, hydrography, spatial and data analytics, GIS, remote sensing, positioning, and many more. They are leaders and innovators in their field and apply their considerable skills and expertise to advancing industries such as mining, urban planning and property, infrastructure, agriculture, defence, transport, and the environment. 

Having successfully completed the merger of the organisations, Geospatial Council of Australia (GCA) is now poised to consolidate the gains and benefits afforded through this merger. 

A stable membership and established values proposition, GCA has engaged membership and established corporate partnerships. This CEO comes into a firm foundation with which to grow the organisation. 

With a solid balance sheet, the organisation is set to record some accounting based wins for the financial year 2024/2025. This coupled with revenue from the international conference early 2025 sets the stage for a strong start to the tenure of this CEO. 

Annual report 2024

GEO Message October 2024

GCA Report October 2024

The core business for GCA is the servicing of members, and these members are both individuals and businesses, understanding the dynamics and demands of both entities is essential in identifying potential opportunities and revenue streams moving forward. 

And moving forward the organisation is strongly focused on brand awareness and developing market. This is achieved by raising awareness of what the membership offers industry. And the industries where they can affect impact are widespread across multiple sectors including mining, infrastructure, construction, agriculture and Government to name a few.  

With the potential reach into multiple sectors comes the real opportunity for business development. This has the potential to increase revenue streams for the organisation through industry events and partnerships along with raising awareness of the organisation and its interaction with the broader community. 

Following the merger, the acquisition of “Position Magazine” was identified as strategically aligned to their organisational goals. This was in response to a strong message from membership and is now a clear directive from the Board of Directors to increase reach, relevance, and engagement across all of our membership. 

Advocacy also forms a large part of the strategic focus for the board. Advocacy for members is delivered by considered and deliberate representation by ensuring studies, white papers and policy development provides a sound evidence base to our efforts. This delivers impact, while driving positive change. 

The strategic plan has further recognised the following pillars as essential road markers for the success of the organisation. 

• Workforce development 
• Policy and advocacy 
• Recognition and engagement 
• Collaborations and partnerships 

A distributed workforce presents its own unique challenges in developing culture and a sense of team. Maintaining a cohesive and engaged team will be ongoing for this CEO. 

As with all mergers there will also be legacy issues that do arise and need to be resolved. With a cohesive and united board these are being addressed and tabled as they are uncovered. 

The merging of two organisations does not come without challenges and cultural change. There is still a need to recognise the origin of membership and ensure the voices are heard appropriately across the organisation whilst slowly moving to a position of a single united membership with one voice. 

Identifying and developing new and existing revenue streams is ongoing. Forging partnerships with business and industry are a strong focus for the board.  

This CEO needs to bring a commercial business mindset to the role with a thorough understanding of the Geospatial Industry sector or have a strong background in either engineering or a related technology field. A strong decision maker attuned to the needs of the business and understanding of its membership, you can lead with respect, empowering the team that supports you to grow and develop their capabilities. 

With a continuing environment of change, following the merger, constant review of services, policies, procedures and governance, this CEO is happy to lead effective change and has a demonstrated ability in leading change through open communication and engagement. 

An immersive position – you are happy to roll your sleeves up and work hard to understand the mechanics of the organisation. Through this immersion you will be able to contribute to the strategic direction and planned execution of agreed priorities for the organisation from an informed position.  

And as a doer you just get things done! A hands-on role, among other things, developing and preparing policy and procedures in consultation with key stakeholders is something you enjoy, as well as being the spokesperson and advocate for membership. 

Essential for this role is the need to be visible in the business, regular contact with all stakeholders and teams to support and develop relationships and trust is critical to the success of this position. 

With a solid understanding of the Geospatial Industry, you are adept at reviewing data and analysing trends to help inform improvement and opportunities for the business. 

Experienced working with a board you can and have articulated growth and growth opportunities at this level. You can identify membership opportunities and potential partnerships. 

Happy to develop the big picture you are also skilled at transitioning strategy into implementation and understand the practical steps needed to put this in place. You are practical by nature and approach. 

Firm but fair, you are professionally mature and competent at having robust and respectful conversations, embracing decisions that are made in the best interest of the organisation. 

With a high EQ you understand team dynamics and value culture having promoted positive culture in previous roles. Your people skills are honed to develop strong partnerships and robust, collaborative relationships. Your understanding of the membership ecosystem is at your core. 

An endearing nature, you will cultivate positive relationships developing trust and influence. Bringing an inquisitive nature to the position you actively engage with all stakeholders to see where you can add value and support. 

You are well researched and bring a curious mindset to identify opportunities that add value to the organisation. As an evidenced based decision maker your detailed analysis of opportunities equips you well to present at Board level, valuing the level of accountability invested in you. 

• Tertiary level qualifications in Business Management  
• Provide Leadership for the organisation, members and staff 
• Be the organisation’s spokesperson 
• Develop operational budgets and deliver revenue targets 
• Develop new member services 
• Overall responsibility for delivery of successful events 
• Operational budgets, compliance and finance. 
• Strategy and governance under guidance of Board 
• Communications and advocacy 
• Staff resourcing 
• Management of risk 
• Overall responsibility for the delivery of all GCA events and GCA partnered events 
• Certification and accreditation programs 
• Professional development 
• Introduction of leaning and development programs 
• Membership growth 
• Member satisfaction 

Position Description

• Experience with Geospatial or related technologies/disciplines. 
• Association Management Experience 
• AICD Credentials highly desirable 
• Govt committee experience  

• Strong drive & passion aligned to organisational purpose. 
• Highly collaborative 
• Critical thinking 
• Spokesperson 
• Excellent communication & relationships management skills 
• A solution-focused, flexible can-do approach 
• Excellent decision-making capabilities 
• Thrives in a dynamic and fast paced environment. 
• Purposeful with strong attention to detail 
• Membership org essential 

When submitting your application, ensure your application includes: 

• An up-to-date resume (in Word format) 

• A covering letter (in Word format) outlining your interest and expertise relevant to the role 

Submit your application quoting reference number MCGSCE to apply@windsor-group.com.au. For more information please contact Mike Conroy on 07 3211 0001. Your application will be acknowledged by email within one business day. 

View the Live Job Advertisement and Apply Here